What makes a great Dungeon Master?
It’s always worthwhile to revisit this question from time to time, and to see where one’s own strengths and failures lie in order to improve on them to up our game going forward. Some of these are more important than others, some come naturally to some, others might take a lifetime to master. This list is not exhaustive.
- Is confident, but flexible
- Is able to transport players: language, description, atmosphere
- creates and maintains living worlds that players want to engage with
- Lets the players tell the story
- Provides a diverse variety of gameplay
- Provides meaningful choices: information, choice, impact
- Is a great listener
- Masters tension, release and pacing
- Creates and plays memorable NPCs
- Knows the rules and is transparent, fair and consistent in their application
- Provides access to the rules
- Is passionate and transports enthusiasm about the game
- Is a player as much as everyone else, but uses the added responsibility and work as a token to take the lead on what will be played (to not burn out and maintain own momentum away from the table)
- Regularly plays as a player to take a break and to learn from other DMs
- Is inclusive to all and breaks down barriers for onboarding new players
- Can read the room and steer towards player interests
- Is attuned to sensibilities at the table and provides appropriate safety tools
- Requests regular feedback and takes it serious
- Masters the art of scheduling and hosting
- Is kind but firm in the resolution of social conflicts at the table
- Knows that he isn’t perfect
- Asks players for help where possible